Thanks to a viral social media post, the local animal shelter receives a large donation

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – West Valley City Animal Services received a special delivery on Monday, and it's all thanks to a social media post.

Scout is a Golden Retriever who is almost 7 years old. He and his mother, Brandy Chenoweth, run an Instagram account and website called Dog Friendly SLC.

“I couldn't find any specific information about where I could take my dog ​​to eat on a patio. So I figured if I had that question, other people probably had that question too,” Chenoweth explained.

Nearly six years since she began making a name for herself online, she's channeling her influence on social media to help other furry friends. West Valley Animal Services is bursting at the seams with more than 200 animals and needs help with food and supplies.

“I think in dog rescues there is an automatic assumption that if I want to help, I have to adopt a pet,” Chenoweth said. “Some people just aren't able to do that, and there are other ways you can help.

To achieve this, she put out a call to the community with this post: “Would you consider donating $7 to help Scout’s upcoming 7th birthday? Venmo: dogFriendlyslc, imagine how much good our community can do.”

And from then on, the good things came in droves!

“I thought we were raising $1,000,” Chenoweth said. “All together with what was sent to us and to them, it’s almost $16,000.”

They collected a dollar each.

“Over 500 people donated, mostly small donations, $7, $5, $10, and it was just so much fun to show how small gifts really make a big impact,” Chenoweth added.

Christmas came early at the animal shelter! There was a surprise delivery on Monday because people not only donated money but also purchased items for animal services from their Amazon wish lists.

“I think it was really a turning point of hope for them to know that they don't have to worry about so many people and about food for the foreseeable future,” Chenoweth said.

People also helped process the wish list for Rescue Rovers, a volunteer, foster-based dog rescue facility.

Their goal is to help more animals find their forever homes.

“It feels a little surreal, to be honest,” Chenoweth said.